Collapsible container



Aug. 13, 1929. .1.1. L ALLEN COLLAPSIBLEl CONTAINER Filed May 31, 1928 YA j?,

----I'---r ---1---- mb-- Invenlor Allarm!) Patented Aug. 13, 1929.

UNITED STATES JOSEPH T. L. ALLEN, OF BERNE, WASHINGTON.

COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER.

Application led May 31,

My present invention relates to improvements in collapsible containers of the type utilizing a series of telescopic, tapered sections which are frictionally engaged when the container is extended, to form a bucket or pail adapted tocontain liquids. In carrying out my invention the collapsible containei is herein illustrated as embodied in a camp kit and provided with means for storage of dishes, provisions and other commodities. The invention consists essentially in certain novel combinations and arrangements of parts involving the means for supporting or holding the collapsible container in extended position, and other features as will hereinafter be more fully set forth and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings I have illustrated one complete example of the physical embodiment of my invention wherein the parts are combined and arranged according to the best mode I have so far devised -for the practical application of the principles of my invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device embodying my invention showing the collapsible bucket in extended position. Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the parts in collapsed condition and indicating by dotted lines the extended portion of the sections. Figure 3 is a detail view showing the holder in locked position with the telescopic sections extended.

In carrying out my invention I preferably use a rectangular box 1 which is fashioned of suitable material and provided with a pair of side compartments 2 and 3 in which provisions, dishes, utensils, etc., may be stored. The side compartments are provided with spring doors as 4, and the box which is open at its upper central portion is provided with a movable slide lid 5 having a polished surface which is used as a mirror and passed thru a slot 6 in the exterior wall of the box and this lid slides thru complementary grooves 7 in the walls of the box. The lid is removable to permit withdrawal of the telescopic members and sections, and as seen in Figure 3 space is provided below the lid for the storage of dishes, cups, etc.

The collapsible container comprises a series of sections here` shown as of rectangular shape and tapered, and adapted to telescope. The bottom section or cupA 8 is allowed to rest on the bottom of the box, and.

1928. Serial No. 281,620.

the container including the top section 9 and intermediate sections 10, is adapted to be extended as indicated in Figures 1 and 2. The top section 9 is provided with a bail or handle 11 that is of flexible material so that it may readily be stored within the box 1.

For holding and retaining the extended telescopic sections in position so that the collapsible container may perform the functions of a bucket, a pail or other receptacle l provide a pair of holders located at opposite sides of the collapsible bucket. Each of these holders comprises a long upper link 12 and a shorter lower link 13, the link 12 being pivoted at 14 to the top section 9, and the link 13 being pivoted at 15 to a wall of the box 1. These two links are hinged together at 16, and a slide sleeve 17 is employed on these links. The slide sleeve 17 is longer than the link 13 and shorter than the link 12, in order that the upper end of the slide sleeve will extend above the hinge 16 when the collapsible container is extended. Thus with the slide sleeve extending above the hinge 16 the two links 12 and 13 are retained in rigid aligned position to form an upright holder which will retain the extended collapsible container in upright position. Vhen it is desired to collapse the container and store its sections in the box, the -slide sleeve is elevated to dotted position in Figure 3 with its lower end above the hinge joint 16 and then the holder may be iexed at this joint and the links 12 and 13 swung on their respective pivots 14 and 15 as the container is collapsed, and then the folded holders are laid on top of the lid as indicated by dotted lines in Figure 3. The slide sleeve when in locked position remains in that position due to gravity, and the sleeve thus forms a simple and readily operated locking means for the links, and the holders may with facility be extended and folded as the collapsible container is extended and collapsed.

From the above description taken in connection with my drawings it will be apparent that I have provided a device of this character which is comparatively light in weight but suficientl strong and durable to perform its require functions, and the operating devices may be manipulated with facility and convenience when the device is employed or used.

Having thus fully described. my invention,

what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. The combination with a collapsible container and a support therefor, of a pair of holders each comprising a long link pivoted to the top section of the container, a. shorter link hinged to the irst link and pivoted to the support, and a slide sleeve on said holder of a greater length than the shorter link.

2. The combination With a. box having slotted side Walls and grooved inner Walls,

and a lid for said box, of a collapsible container comprising a cup resting in the box, a. top section, and intermediate sect-ions, of a pair of holders, each comprising a long link pivoted to the top section, a shorter link pivoted to the box, a hinge joint between said links and a gravity actuated slide sleeve of greater length than the shorter link and adapted to slide on said holder.

In testimony whereof I aiix my signature.

l JOSEPH T. L. ALLEN. 

